Even Gu Ran couldn't help laughing.
——Indeed, if Arsenal had money to give to Wenger, Arsenal would have won the championship long ago.
How many captains has Wenger sold with tears for the club's operation? Especially after selling Vieira, the king of waist, in 2006, Arsenal's overall toughness was greatly reduced.
Vieira's importance to Arsenal is the difference between fourth place in the Premier League and the league championship.
Then I heard Coach Alkinson continue: "Why did I just say that I would rather face Barcelona than Arsenal?"
"Because we both lost, when we lost to Barcelona we can say Messi was too strong and no one could defend against him."
"We lost to Arsenal. We can't say that Arsenal's Fabregas is as good as Messi, right?"
"With our current level of strength, we cannot be compared with Barcelona and Arsenal. If we have to make a comparison, we have to make an assumption, that is, assume that our ability is at the same level as Barcelona and Arsenal, otherwise we can't compare at all."
"Assuming we are a team of the same level as Barcelona and Arsenal, then when facing Barcelona's passing and controlling style, we just need to be able to strangle Barcelona's midfield. As long as we can break the Habubai triangle combination and strangle Messi with the diamond stranglehold tactic, it will be difficult for Barcelona to gain momentum."
"Of course, it must be difficult to play in practice, because Messi is God's Messi. You may not be a fan of Messi, but you can never ignore Messi's greatness."
"In theory, Guardiola's passing and control flow can be strangled - Real Madrid is the best example."
"But it's difficult to face Arsenal's passing and cutting flow. Arsenal has multiple attacking points and is flexible and changeable. We can't suppress the entire Arsenal by strangling a certain passing combination of Arsenal. Arsenal's frontcourt has too much freedom and their speed is too fast. Even if our overall strength is comparable to Arsenal, even Real Madrid will have a very, very headache when facing Arsenal."
Gu Ran couldn't help but nodded slightly.
Coach Adkins is truly a magical tactical coach, and his analysis is indeed very accurate.
Theoretically speaking, Arsenal's passing and cutting style is indeed difficult to deal with from a tactical level.
Again, if Arsenal had money...
In other words, Arsenal, who had no money to keep their captain, were no match for Barcelona and Real Madrid, and even when their physical fitness collapsed in the later stages of the Premier League, they were able to secure fourth place.
Tsk tsk...the gunman is so damn strong.
"Of course," Coach Adkins smiled again, "Don't be too nervous about tomorrow's game. Tomorrow is just a friendly match, and Professor Wenger is still quite proud. I don't think he would start the entire main lineup against a mid-level team in the First Division like us."
"According to our pre-match military intelligence, Arsenal will have at most three or five main players in the starting lineup tomorrow."
"So how do we deal with Arsenal's passing flow?"
Coach Adkins paused deliberately and said, "Everyone has listened to my tactical analysis class for almost an hour. Is there anyone who can tell me the answer?"
Most of the players below lowered their heads.
Good student Lambert thought for a moment and said, "Coach, I think we should strengthen our defense."
Coach Adkins nodded, "Any other comments?"
Chamberlain said: "Coach, I think since we are far inferior to Arsenal in strength, we should just stop defending and attack Arsenal!"
Coach Adkins laughed, "Well said, please don't say that in the future! Otherwise you will be laughed at."
Captain Davis also smiled and shook his head, "Chamberlain, you idiot, playing against Arsenal, are you dissatisfied with the fact that I conceded few goals, do you want to help me break the record?"
Chamberlain said unconvincedly: "Then tell me! We are going to lose anyway! We might as well put all our efforts into scoring a goal against Arsenal! You all pass the ball to me, I will support Arsenal! I will let Arsenal know how powerful Chamberlain is!"
The players below burst into laughter again, but no one dared to express their opinions.
Coach Adkins has analyzed Arsenal's passing and cutting flow so well. Apart from full-strength defense and counterattack, who can think of a better response strategy? Coach Adkins turned his gaze to Gu Ran, "Gu, do you have any ideas?"
Gu Ran said calmly: "Coach, I don't really have any ideas. I will play the way the coach tells me to play and will resolutely implement the coach's strategy."
As soon as these words were spoken, the veteran players present regretted their actions - Fuck, such a good line was actually said by Gu Ran.
But then, Gu Ran added: "However, if the coach wants to know my thoughts, then I will just say it casually. If what I say is not good, please don't be offended by the coach and teammates."
Coach Adkins smiled and said, “Just tell me what you want to hear.”
Gu Ran said: "My idea is to do it forcefully."
Chamberlain sneered, "Isn't this the same as what I said about attacking? Gu, you are plagiarizing me!"
Gu Ran ignored Chamberlain and continued calmly, "Hard work is not about fighting against each other, but about using our physical strength to fight Arsenal, using tight defense, diamond stranglehold, and active aggression to consume Arsenal's physical energy."
This attrition tactic is the one that Gu Ran is most familiar with, the weak team against the strong team tactic. It is the tactic that the Bucks Steelhorns are most familiar with during the high school national competition! Coach Adkins showed a rare gratified smile on his face, "... Well said! Gu, it seems that only you have truly understood the essence of my tactical class, and also understood Arsenal's weaknesses."
Chamberlain was quite unconvinced and said: "Coach, didn't you just say that the passing and controlling flow can strangle the team, but the passing and cutting flow is difficult to strangle?"
Coach Adkins explained: "Yes, I did say that the passing and cutting flow is difficult to strangle, but even if it is difficult, strangling is the only tactical strategy that can limit the passing and cutting flow."
"Arsenal is very strong, and their passing and cutting tactics are even stronger, but in reality, Arsenal's passing and cutting tactics also have weaknesses."
"Arsenal's attack in the early stages is very fierce. Their passing and cutting tactics require all of them to sprint frequently, and almost all of them press forward, with a lot of off-ball running. When defending, they also retreat across the board and use a numerical advantage to defend, so their physical fitness is usually affected in the second half."
"Coach Wenger has a habit of making substitutions after 70 minutes."
"This is not a quirk, but something he deduced based on the data of his players - after 70 minutes, the physical fitness of Arsenal players will decline rapidly. Therefore, no matter what the situation on the field is, Wenger will believe in the data and make substitutions around 70 minutes."
"We can also believe Wenger's data, which means that after 70 minutes, it is a good time for us to play high pressure."
"Of course, this also has a prerequisite, that is, we don't collapse under Arsenal within 70 minutes."
Coach Adkins drew a tactical running diagram on the whiteboard and said, "Tomorrow our tactics will be divided into two phases. In the first phase, our game mentality is to defend with all our strength, unite and strangle, and fight head-on to consume Arsenal's physical strength. Don't waste physical energy on uncertain attacks or counterattacks."
"In the first phase, we used a 451 formation, with a single striker, two defensive midfielders, and three midfielders to strangle the opponent."
"As long as we don't collapse in the early stages, when we transition to the second stage, we will remove the defensive midfielder and change to a 442 formation to press high and play defensive counterattacks."
"In tomorrow's game, physical confrontation will be the top priority."
"So, I will only pick the players with the best physical fitness, the strongest body, and the ability to strangle to start."
"Before 70 minutes, my requirements were not high, as long as we were not two goals behind Arsenal."
"The core of the counterattack after 70 minutes is Gu Ran. All counterattacks must be carried out around Gu Ran."
All the players present gasped! This was also the first time that Coach Adkins publicly announced Gu Ran's core position in the defense and counterattack system! Moreover, all the players did not object!
After the last two super reversals, Gu Ran's position as the core of defense and counterattack is well deserved! This feeling of having his strength and status recognized...
It's so cool! Gu Ran couldn't help but feel his blood boiling.
Coach Adkins added: "Next, I will directly announce tomorrow's starting lineup and substitute list, and assign tasks to you in advance."
As he spoke, Coach Adkins took out the list he had prepared long ago and read it out one by one.
Gu Ran naturally got the starting spot.
In addition, Chamberlain and Hammond also got the starting position.
Left midfielder Holmes may have more experience, but Chamberlain's physical confrontation ability is obviously much stronger than the short Holmes - the scene of Chamberlain's fight with 190cm Francis in the last game left a deep impression on coach Adkins.
As for Hammond, although his footwork is a bit rough and his one-on-one defense is a bit poor, Hammond is 186cm tall and weighs 80kg, which still gives him an advantage when fighting in positional battles.
Defensive midfielder Ryan Dixon, who was promoted from the reserve team in the last game, also started.
And this is not the most surprising thing for the players. The most surprising thing is that Lallana, the team's most popular player recently, was actually placed on the substitute list, with only center forward Guli at the front.
It was obvious that Lallana came on as a substitute in preparation for the 70th minute.
In terms of tactical arrangements, Coach Adkins really deserves to be called a "magic coach."
After announcing the roster for tomorrow's game, Coach Adkins made detailed arrangements for the tasks of each starting player.
"...Dixon, your position is defensive midfielder. In addition to cooperating with the defense, your task is to promptly retreat to the left back position to provide defensive support when Gu Ran goes forward to penetrate. You need to frequently switch positions with Gu Ran, do more of the dirty work, and get a yellow card when it's critical. You know what I mean."
"Yes, coach!" Ryan Dixon was very excited to be able to start against Arsenal.
"Gu, other players can't run randomly, but I give you full autonomy. You can switch positions with defensive midfielder Dixon at will, and you can run forward at will. In tomorrow's game, you are the key!"
"Yes! Coach!" Gu Ran responded calmly.
Coach Adkins continued, "As for the other players, I don't care if you use dirty tricks or not, and I don't care if you use a triangle or diamond stranglehold. In short, before 70 minutes, you must defend your position for me! Don't even think about attacking before 70 minutes, and let Gu Ran do the counterattack! Your mission is to strangle Arsenal! Use up all their overall physical energy!"
"Did you understand everything?"
"I understand, coach!"
"Okay, everyone, don't practice any more today, don't drink when you get home, and don't make love. Regain your energy and strangle Arsenal!"
The players followed suit and shouted, "Strangle Arsenal! Strang Arsenal! Strang Arsenal!"
That night, after Gu Ran returned home, he turned off his cell phone and went to bed early.
In fact, the Emirates Stadium is just a habitual name. The real name of this stadium is "Emirates Stadium". Emirates Airlines is the title sponsor of Arsenal, and the advertisement on the chest of Arsenal jerseys is from Emirates Airlines.
This circular stadium has a magnificent appearance and a modern architectural style. Its hardware facilities are among the best in Europe. It can accommodate 60,432 spectators, with 150 VIP boxes, 48 executive VIP boxes, 41 camera positions, 215 media seats, and up to 2,000 executive packages available on match days! The entire stadium cost more than 400 million pounds to build, second only to Manchester United's Theatre of Dreams and Liverpool's Anfield Stadium.
The stadium was designed by world-renowned designer Norman Foster and uses a lot of glass and steel, especially the building materials on the top of the stadium, which are quite expensive.
In addition, the turf at the Emirates Stadium is the best turf in the world, bar none.
The turf of the Emirates Stadium uses the latest planting technology and top-quality grass species to ensure the beauty and comfort of the turf.
——Playing football here is like doing a major health care for your feet.
Of course... this was all earned with the blood and tears of Arsenal captains of all generations.
After lunch in the executive restaurant at noon, the Southampton team returned to the visiting team's locker room to recover and rest.
At 2 pm, fans from both teams entered the stadium.
This game is not only Southampton's last game before the start of the new season, but also Arsenal's last game before the start of the new season.
So fans of both teams are looking forward to their teams having a perfect ending.
In less than half an hour, the auditorium with a capacity of more than 60,000 people was filled with more than 40,000 people, and the number was still increasing.
This friendly match was initiated by Arsenal Club. According to the agreed ticket sharing, Southampton can get 60% of the revenue.
Due to the cost of the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal tickets are relatively expensive in the entire Premier League, with the average ticket price reaching £57.
——The game has not yet been decided, but Southampton Club has already started counting money happily.
And this is exactly the benefit that Gu Ran brings.
Today, there were about 6,000 Southampton fans, and the Taipei stand, which can accommodate 10,000 fans for visiting teams, was not full.
The South Stand, home to Arsenal fans, was already packed.
The most eye-catching among them was a group of people in black in the South Stand - die-hard Gunners fans: Ashburton Army.
Arsenal's jerseys are mainly red, but the Ashburton team believes that red to a deeper level is black, so as the reddest and most dedicated fans, they wear black all over their bodies and the flags in their hands are also black.
The Ashburton Army was born after the Emirates Stadium was put into use and is considered a new force among the Gunners fans.
Because the Emirates Stadium was built in Ashburton and there is an Ashburton bar next to the stadium, this most fanatical and loyal fan organization named itself the Ashburton Legion.
In addition to the Ashburton Army, Arsenal also has a "Red Action" fan organization that became famous overseas during the Highbury period - Highbury Stadium was Arsenal's home ground before the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal's Henry was crowned the King of Highbury... and then sold.
All in all, compared with the new Ashburton Corps, Operation Red was not as fanatical.
Every time Arsenal has a game, the Ashburton team will be there and never miss it.
The Ashburton Army must be the first group of fans to enter the stadium, and they have been creating the atmosphere of watching the game before entering. After the game starts, the cheers of the Ashburton Army are the loudest. Almost all members of the Ashburton Army have their backs to the stadium and turn their heads to watch the game. Once Arsenal starts attacking, the members of Ashburton will turn around and face the tens of thousands of Arsenal fans in the South Stand to lead the atmosphere!
To become a member of the Ashburton Corps, the first prerequisite is that three generations of your direct lineage are all Arsenal fans. The second prerequisite is that you must have good physical strength and a loud voice, and be able to wave flags, beat drums, and sing songs for more than 120 minutes continuously...
Because the requirements for joining the group are extremely strict, the number of Ashburton Corps members is always controlled at around 100-200 people, but the influence of the Ashburton Corps is huge.
The Red Army KOP is a group of people who are united in purpose and will never give up no matter how hard the situation is.
The Ashburton Corps is a group of elite troops that can lead the whole army.
So, even though it was just a pre-season friendly match, the Emirates Stadium was still bustling with activity.
The whole stadium was filled with the singing of Arsenal fans, and the singing of Southampton Saints could hardly be heard.
Today's game also attracted a lot of football media.
Chelsea's Emenalo, Liverpool's Edwards, Manchester City's Pratt, and scouts from other small clubs also came to watch the game! Manchester United's scout Lawler was sent by Sanders to Asia to observe young players...
At 2:20, the coaches of both teams brought one player each to attend the pre-match press conference.
All major media outlets were waiting early in the spacious media hall of the Emirates Stadium.
Coach Adkins wore a black suit and attended with captain Davis.
Coach Arsene Wenger wore a zippered jacket and attended with player No. 14, "Little Tiger" Theo Walcott.
As soon as Walcott appeared, the Southampton media at the scene cheered.
Walcott also happily greeted the Southampton reporters and Southampton captain Davis.
Walcott is a star player from Southampton's youth training! He is also one of the youngest players to appear in an official match in Southampton's history, and was once hailed as the successor to Alan Shearer.
Walcott joined Southampton's first team in October 2005 and scored his first Premier League goal. Less than half a season later, Wenger bought him for £5 million upfront and then paid £12 million in installments based on his performance! Walcott was only 16 and a half years old that year!
That year... Wenger hadn't started managing his finances yet.
It is obvious that Southampton Club still has great feelings for this young genius, and Walcott's attitude towards Southampton Club is also very friendly.
From the players led by the two coaches, we can roughly see the mentality of the two coaches towards this pre-season friendly match.
Coach Adkins is the captain, which shows that Coach Adkins attaches great importance to this game and has great respect for Coach Wenger and Arsenal Club.
Although Walcott, who was coached by Wenger, is not the captain Fabregas, bringing the little tiger who was born in Southampton with him is also giving Southampton enough face.
After the two head coaches met, Coach Adkins could not hide his excitement and took the initiative to step forward and shake hands with Coach Wenger.
Coach Wenger also politely touched Coach Adkins' arm to show his friendliness.
The atmosphere on the scene was still very harmonious.
At least, it was much friendlier than the game against Northampton.
After the coaches of both teams took their seats, the pre-match press conference began.
A reporter stood up and asked, "Coach Adkins, this is your first match against Coach Wenger. What do you think now? How do you predict the outcome of this game?"
Coach Adkins smiled and said, "First of all, Professor Wenger is my role model. Whether it is his 442 butterfly formation that dominated the Premier League in the 2003-04 season, or the current 4231 parallel formation, or his on-the-spot deployment, they have always been the direction of my research. I think I will definitely benefit a lot from playing against Professor Wenger today. As for the result of the game, I believe that our Southampton team has already won when we stood on the Emirates Stadium."
This answer was quite insightful, and coach Wenger next to him couldn't help but nod slightly.
Another reporter stood up and asked, "Coach Adkins, there is news that Southampton's rising star Gu Ran played the last game with a closed back. Will he play today? What is the extent of his injury?"
Coach Adkins replied: "Gu Ran's health is a matter of great concern to us at Southampton. We will never joke about his career."
The reporter quickly asked again: "Are you saying that Gu Ran will not appear today? Or is it that Gu Ran's injury is not serious at all?"
Coach Adkins gave a meaningful smile and said, "You'll know soon enough."
Evelyn, a female reporter from the Advance Saints, grabbed the microphone very forcefully. "Coach Wenger, there is news that you are trying to sign Southampton's rising star Gu Ran. So what do you think of Gu Ran? Do you have any special plans or targets for him in today's game?"
Wenger smiled and said, "I'm sorry, I don't want to talk about the players of the opposing team before the game, but you will know after the game."
Evelyn: ...
With Evelin’s personality, how could she give up so easily?
Evelyn held onto the microphone tightly and continued to ask, "But Coach Wenger, we all know that Arsenal took the initiative to invite Southampton to this friendly match, and also offered a higher share of the ticket revenue. Aren't these gestures of goodwill intended to buy Gu Ran?"
Coach Wenger shrugged. "If we have to talk about buying players... we at Arsenal don't actually need to buy players right now, because..."
Coach Wenger paused briefly, "The strongest man is already in the Arsenal team."
Walcott next to him sat up straight with excitement: Coach, isn't he talking about me?
The coach praised me as the strongest person!
I must play well today! Although I am facing my old club, I am a professional football player! Sorry, my Southampton! Coach Adkins silently praised in his heart:
You are worthy of being called a football professor! It has to be you, Wenger! You can pretend to be successful even though you have no money...
The pre-match press conference ended with ambiguous answers from the two coaches.
At 2:30, players from both teams came on the court and began adaptive warm-up.
…
Friends, today is 918! Never forget the national humiliation! Revitalize China!
(End of this chapter)